The National Forestry Corporation (Conaf) for the Metropolitan Region has concluded its launch tour for the 2026 Urban Afforestation Program (PAU), aiming to provide 18,000 trees to 52 municipalities throughout the region.
The initiative seeks to transform urban landscapes and improve community health by distributing trees to vulnerable areas. Officials held technical briefing sessions in the municipalities of Puente Alto, Colina, and Melipilla.
Of the total supply, 14,000 are native species, such as quillay, maitén, and algarrobo. These varieties were specifically selected for their high drought resistance to ensure survival in urban environments.
Focus on heat mitigation
The program places a strong emphasis on territorial equity to mitigate extreme temperatures. The remaining 4,000 trees in the distribution will consist of exotic species.
Mario Pinto, the regional director of Conaf RM, noted that the initiative has a social focus that goes beyond simple reforestation. "Our goal is to improve parks and plazas, but most importantly, to mitigate the heat islands affecting our neighbors," he said.
Pinto urged municipalities to submit projects that will have a direct impact on residents' quality of life.
Meanwhile, the Regional Minister of Agriculture, Fernando Rencoret, highlighted the importance of collaboration between institutions and local governments. He noted that approximately 150,000 trees have been distributed since the program's inception.
"Without the municipalities, who are the ones planting and caring for them, these 1,640 historic projects would not be a reality," Rencoret stated, calling on local authorities to apply for the current call for proposals.
